Saudi Arabia's GACA President Highlights Commitment To Regional And International Aviation Security Initiatives

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) President, Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, highlighted Saudi Arabia's dedication to both regional and global efforts in tackling civil aviation security challenges. He noted that the Saudi aviation system achieved a 94.4% compliance rate with aviation security standards. This achievement was recognised in an audit report by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), placing Saudi Arabia among the leading nations worldwide.

Al-Duailej delivered these remarks during a ministerial meeting at the "ICAO Security Week 2024," held in Oman from December 9 to 12, 2024. The event, organised with ICAO's collaboration, gathered leaders and heads of civil aviation organisations globally. He stressed that current security threats in civil aviation are increasingly complex and diverse.

Among the challenges are cyber-attacks and drone-related threats, which pose significant risks to aviation security. Al-Duailej pointed out that these modern threats necessitate innovative management strategies. The Kingdom has prioritised cybersecurity by developing specialised programs to protect digital systems and booking platforms, enhancing their ability to counter cyber-attacks.

The GACA president also mentioned Saudi Arabia's efforts to develop exceptional human capabilities in this field. Advanced training programs have been launched in partnership with international organisations to prepare national personnel for various security scenarios.

Saudi Arabia has played a vital role in supporting international initiatives led by ICAO. The Kingdom has contributed significantly to shaping aviation security policies and implementing programs aimed at improving global security standards. This includes hosting the permanent headquarters of the Cooperative Aviation Security Programme – Middle East (ICAO CASP-MID).

Furthermore, Saudi Arabia supports ICAO through initiatives like "No Country Left Behind" (NCLB). These efforts underscore its commitment to enhancing global aviation security cooperation.

Regional Cooperation

The Kingdom has actively participated in developing joint security strategies with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. These strategies aim to strengthen security coordination among nations, ensuring a swift and effective response to emerging threats.

"The Kingdom has played a crucial role in supporting regional and international initiatives focused on improving security in this essential sector," said Al-Duailej. He emphasised the importance of collaboration among nations to address evolving security threat methods effectively.

In his concluding remarks, Al-Duailej stressed the need for enhanced cooperation among all countries. This collaboration is essential for staying abreast of rapid advancements in threat methods and uniting efforts to devise innovative solutions for these challenges.

With inputs from SPA